A review on synthesis of Fe-based compounds and their properties as the burning rate catalysts for propellants

•Various types of Fe-based compounds as the burning rate catalysts for propellants are reviewed.•Influence of the structures of burning rate catalysts on the thermal decomposition of AP is paid attention.•Influence of the anti-migration behavior of catalysts on the combustion performance of propellant is studied.•The mechanisms of catalysis for AP decomposition and anti-migration are discussed.•Fc-based burning rate catalysts show a potential application in propellant.